10. Configure the new kernel

If you are using an old kernel you will need to patch it before you can proceed. Instructions on patching your kernel are available from Appendix A. The 2.6.x series kernels do not need to be patched.

Now instead of using make menuconfig, I have an excellent alternative. Check this out: copy your current .config file into /usr/src/linux. Now use "make oldconfig". It will run through your old config file and see what's been updated so that you don't have to find all the new options. For everything to do with ACPI and your specific hardware (Toshibas choose the Toshiba options, Asus choose the Asus options) choose M for module. There are about ten different ACPI related options that you will need to select.

In point form, this is how the kernel should be configured:

cd /usr/src/linux

cp /usr/src/<oldkernel-source-directory>/.config.config

make oldconfig (say M to all new options for ACPI--you can also say "Y" if you prefer to compile it directly into your kernel)

Now go in to the config file with make menuconfig. I want you do check and make sure you have your APM (the old stuff) turned off. Under "General Setup", make sure that:

Power Management Support is ON

APM (Advanced Power Management) is OFF (this is the old one--you don't even want it as a module unless you really know what you're doing. And if you really know what you're doing you're probably not reading this.)

everything to do with ACPI should be M (modules) or * (compiled directly into the kernel). Read the list carefully. Some options will not apply to your hardware.